A serializer-deserializer using series-coupled signal processing blocks to process digitized input symbols, each block having a coefficient input. Each of plurality of series-coupled coefficient delay elements has a control input and a coefficient output coupling to the coefficient inputs of a corresponding one of the signal processing modules, is controlled by a shift register having an input and a plurality of outputs, each one of the plurality of outputs coupled to the control input of a corresponding one of the coefficient delay elements. An adaptation unit has a flag output coupled to the input of the shift register, and a first coefficient output coupled to the input of a first one of the coefficient delay elements. The adaptation unit generates a flag when the adaptation unit generates a coefficient, and the coefficient is entered into the first one of the coefficient delay elements when the shift register receives the flag.